Hi guys, this definitely falls into the category of "stupid question." Mainly because the only opinion that matters is mine, lol. 
I'm getting new tires as soon as I have some extra cash on hand. Mine are getting low on tread and aren't cutting it in the snow anymore. I've currently got 18x8 TRD tundra wheels with 285/75r18 terra grapplers and 1" spacers. I'm looking for a "more rubber" look and a wider contact patch (just my preference) which I'm hoping a wider tire will accomplish, but ideally I'd really like to downsize to 17" wheels as well.
I've got some 17x8.5 Method mr316's in my cart on tirerack along with 315/70r17 falkens. But my inner cheap-ass is pushing me towards keeping my 18's because I already own them. 35x12.5x18 tires are all $50-100 more expensive than similar 17" sizes and most of them are out of stock on tirerack, but sticking with my current wheels would save me a lot more $ than the difference in tires. I could sell my spacers to recoup a little of the cost of new 17's though.
Also, a 12.5" wide tire is technically too wide to run on an 8" wheel, although I have run over-wide tires many times in the past without any ill effects beyond handling quirks.
So should I follow my dreams and get the 17s? Or should I give in to my frugal side and stick with the 18's?
Go ahead and flame me!

I'm getting new tires as soon as I have some extra cash on hand. Mine are getting low on tread and aren't cutting it in the snow anymore. I've currently got 18x8 TRD tundra wheels with 285/75r18 terra grapplers and 1" spacers. I'm looking for a "more rubber" look and a wider contact patch (just my preference) which I'm hoping a wider tire will accomplish, but ideally I'd really like to downsize to 17" wheels as well.
I've got some 17x8.5 Method mr316's in my cart on tirerack along with 315/70r17 falkens. But my inner cheap-ass is pushing me towards keeping my 18's because I already own them. 35x12.5x18 tires are all $50-100 more expensive than similar 17" sizes and most of them are out of stock on tirerack, but sticking with my current wheels would save me a lot more $ than the difference in tires. I could sell my spacers to recoup a little of the cost of new 17's though.
Also, a 12.5" wide tire is technically too wide to run on an 8" wheel, although I have run over-wide tires many times in the past without any ill effects beyond handling quirks.
So should I follow my dreams and get the 17s? Or should I give in to my frugal side and stick with the 18's?
Go ahead and flame me!